Odeleite Beach, a newly-constructed freshwater beach located at the dam of the same name in Castro Marim, Algarve, is set to open on 26 June and will be available to the public until the end of August.
Outside the summer season, the site, known as the Nautical Activities Centre, “will have other functions. We have floating pools and the possibility for their use during that period [June to September]. But once it opens, whoever operates the small bar will have the possibility of developing other activities, and the municipality will also have other initiatives,” Filomena Sintra, mayor of Castro Marim, told local newspaper Sul Informação.
“A major new development is that we are working so that canoeing and sailing groups can come to train from November 2026 to March 2027, because we will have an infrastructure here to support them,” she added.
As for Odeleite Beach itself, this will be the first time the bathing area is fully operational, as until last summer water levels in the reservoir were too low to install the two floating pools.
Now, with water in abundance and supporting infrastructure in place, including a bar, sanitary facilities, a seating area, access routes, and a car park, the beach is finally able to open.
“The Blue Flag will be raised on 1 July. This is linked to the bathing season. [The beach] has operating costs, with the municipality subsidising lifeguard teams. We are not aiming for mass crowds. The bathing season runs from 26 June to the beginning of September, which is the official bathing period,” said Filomena Sintra.
Odeleite Beach features two floating pools, one of which has been designed specifically for children.
“These are adapted pools with support nets, so there is no risk of incidents occurring inside them. In addition, there are two lifeguards on duty at all times to ensure safety at the beach,” the mayor explained.
Beyond being a place for swimming, “it is also a space for leisure, as it is equipped with a bar. Those who wish to read a book or simply watch the sunset can do so. It is also possible to play sport,” she added.
Source: Sul Informação
Photo credit: Sul Informação
